Elle Fanning’s Predator Role: More Than Meets the Eye!

Thescreescore – Elle Fanning is spilling secrets about her character in Predator: Badlands, and it’s more surprising than a Xenomorph in a kindergarten. The Emmy-winning actress tackles the role of Thia, a damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic. Thia’s introduction involves a brutal encounter with a Kalisk, leaving her with only half a body. This sets the stage for an unlikely alliance with Dek, the franchise’s first Yautja protagonist.

The narrative sees Thia quite literally strapped to Dek’s back as they navigate the alien terrain of Genna, hunting the formidable Kalisk. Fanning reveals that this unusual dynamic was brought to life with practical effects and old-school movie magic.

In an interview with thescreescore.com, Fanning shared details about the demanding shoot. Instead of relying solely on CGI, the production team opted for a hands-on approach. Fanning was suspended on wires, her legs concealed in blue stockings for later visual effects. She recounts being physically carried by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, the actor playing Dek, through the rugged New Zealand landscape.

"He also had a wheelbarrow, like this seat that I would sit on like a chariot. And it would be on his hips, and then he would have to lug me," Fanning explained. "We were very supportive. He was like, ‘Hey, are you good back there? Are you okay? Are we comfortable?’ As comfortable as we could be. But he really had my back."

Schuster-Koloamatangi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the physically taxing nature of wearing the Predator suit. Despite the challenges, he expressed pride in continuing the franchise’s tradition of practical effects. He described the experience as "grueling on the body" due to the heat and restrictiveness of the suit, but ultimately rewarding.

Fanning also pointed out the comedic potential of the Thia-Dek pairing, likening it to a "straight man, then the comedic chatterbox" dynamic. She noted that this unexpected humor, combined with heart and plenty of gore, sets Predator: Badlands apart from its predecessors.

Predator: Badlands is now playing in theaters.